Christie Brinkley's Ex:

'Today' Show Cryfest Was

Cunning and Shameless

3/28/2012 6:35 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Christie Brinkley's ex-husband claims the supermodel's teary appearance on "Today" was nothing more than a "cunning and shameless" attempt to "garner public sympathy by "dishonest means."

Peter Cook released a statement ... BLASTING Brinkley's interview with Matt Lauer ... saying, “Christie was entirely dishonest about the circumstances surrounding the current court action which was precipitated by her and ... is doing further damage to our children."

In case you missed the "Today" show interview yesterday, an emotional Brinkley claimed Cook has been on a mission to destroy her life since they broke up.

Cook is clearly unhappy ... his statement continues, "I am also shocked by the blatant lies she told regarding our divorce proceedings of four years ago, including denying the indisputable fact that she fought for an open courtroom despite the warnings it would harm our children.”

"[Brinkley] will stop at nothing to continue the drama in our lives in order to harass me and keep herself relevant in the media."

Cook also claims Brinkley is simply still bitter from when he cheated on her with an 18-year-old woman during their marriage ... saying, "Clearly, Christie does not believe I was punished enough four years ago for my indiscretions in our marriage, but for the sake of our children I wish she would find a way to move on.”